Switching to EMGs (first time modder)

UnfortunateTony · #1 08-31-2010, 03:54 PM

Okay so I've never modded a bass before in my life (sorry if this is the wrong place for this) so I have a few questions: 1. How easy is it to just switch out a pickup? I'm changing the pickup in my squier P bass to an EMG. Speaking of which: 2. How do EMGs sound? Should I use a different brand? I'm just looking for a more powerful sound. Thanks!

BigOldHarry · #2 08-31-2010, 03:57 PM

1) it's easy, provided you can solder.
2) Most EMGs require a battery. This is a *hassle* in a P-bass, since replacing said battery involves removing the whole pick-guard. If you're looking at "EMG Select" p'ups, I'd pass - they are rather crappy.
3) They sound fine - a bit brittle for my tastes, but I used them for years and know many folks who dig them. If you're just lookign for a *bigger* sound, try better strings first... THEN I'd get some Seymour Duncan quarter pounders. And - they're passive - no battery required!

UnfortunateTony · #3 08-31-2010, 04:03 PM

After looking around a bit more and reading some reviews I think I might be going for DiMarzio D127s.

Burlington · #4 08-31-2010, 04:14 PM

I am a total EMG fanboy and I think you should try them out. Or, at least, try out a bass that has EMGs already installed.

Harry is right, every time you replace the battery (only a couple times a year, depending on how often you have the bass plugged in) you will have to remove the entire pickguard. Yes it's a hassle, but worth it IMO. If you really end up liking them you can always have the rear of the bass routed for a battery box.